Sunderland football hooligans hand in passports

ALMOST 50 football hooligans in Wearside have handed in their passports to ensure they can’t go to the World Cup in Brazil.

Every person in the North East with a Football Banning Order was ordered to surrender their passport in the run-up to the tournament, which kicked off yesterday.

There are 43 people in Sunderland with the orders and 124 in Newcastle who will have to report to their local police station during every England game.

Football banning orders range from three to 10 years and can be issued to people who are convicted of a relevant football-related offence or who persistently engage in violence and disorder at football matches.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Andy McDyer said: “It’s satisfying to know that every person subject to a Football Banning Order has surrendered their passport for the duration of the World Cup, therefore preventing them from travelling to Brazil for the tournament.

“They will also be required to report to their designated police station on the day of any England fixture. As all have obliged by handing in their passports, I’m hopeful they will do the same for this.

“We will strictly enforce any breach of Football Banning Orders. Anyone who fails to adhere to their conditions faces being arrested.”

Those subject to a Football Banning Order are required to notify The Football Banning Orders Authority (FBOA) of any change of their home address.